Dorset wedding photographerWhy you should slow down on your wedding day26th October 2015

Advice for Brides – why you should slow down on your wedding day

As a Dorset wedding photographer with over 20 years of experience I have to admit I’ve seen my fair share of human nature in difficult situations! I know just how stressful wedding days can be.

On your wedding day your emotions will be in overload. The adrenalin’s pumping, you’re worried about everything going to plan, the weather and all of the details that you’ve been planning so meticulously for months and months.

But you know what? On your wedding day there’s nothing you can do to change things.

Your suppliers (providing you’ve chosen them carefully) know what they’re doing. They’ll deliver the service that you want.

The weather ….. well, the weather will be whatever it is – no-one’s yet invented a way to control that! Disappointing as it is when it rains (yes, I’ve seen a few rainy-day weddings over the years), all you can do is to make the best of it.

Your photographer (again, providing that you’ve chosen them carefully) knows how to make the best of any situation and will guide you during the day to make sure you get the photographs you want.

Your venue and the caterers know what they’re doing.

So, why worry? It’s human nature to worry and be nervous. It’s a defence mechanism and also one which can mean we perform to our best on any given occasion. Athletes and performers get nervous before they get onto their “stage”. Photographers always have the “butterflies” on a wedding day and I’ll freely admit to that when chatting to prospective couples. Anyone who says they’re not nervous before shooting a wedding is either extremely lucky or very complacent. Complacency is bad. When you get complacent and think that this is “just another wedding” it means you’re not going to try. Try to improve on what you’ve already done. Make this the best wedding you’ve ever shot, for the sake of the Bride and Groom.

But enough about your suppliers – what about you?

Well, it’s not going to be easy, but here are a few tips that I’ve passed on to couples over the years ….

Take a couple of minutes to be alone. This works for both the Bride and the Groom (after all, they get nervous as well, don’t they?). Just a couple of minutes of peace and quiet lets you gather your thoughts before the ceremony. It’ll calm you down and you’ll feel more relaxed.

Don’t worry about fluffing your words! It’s not an exam. It’s not a job interview. No-one’s going to mind if you get the words jumbled or hesitate. The officiant’s not going to have a go at you – they’re really supportive and will let you have a few moments if you need it, to regain your composure.

Get your family to help. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of the day and almost forget to breath. It’s so important to take a few moments away from everyone and the breathe. So get your family or the Bridesmaids and Ushers to keep an eye on you and remind you every now and then to just step away for a few seconds and to relax.

What’s the most important thing of all on your wedding day? That’s easy. To enjoy it. Savour every moment, because before you know it the day will be over. That’s why it’s important to slow down, relax and make the most of this very special day.

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Documentary wedding photography

If you’re considering a wedding anywhere in Dorset or Hampshire (or indeed, further afield) then please get in touch to discuss your wedding photography requirements. I’m delighted to be a recommended photographer for a number of leading Dorset wedding venues and would love to hear about the plans for your special day. Get in touch with me now for a no-obligation chat.

Ian is one of Dorset’s leading wedding photographers. Based in Bournemouth and with over 20 years of experience photographing weddings across Dorset and Hampshire, Ian’s the perfect choice for couples who want unobtrusive, discreet wedding photography that captures the emotions of their special day. Read more about his own personal style of documentary wedding photography on this website.

Proud to be a recommended photographer for a number of leading Dorset wedding venues.